HPU-5K880 & HPU-5B680

Fresh from our review of the HPU-4M880/HPU-4M630 Type M Series, Hiper returns with an all new concept for power supply units. By combining the passive cooling of an open-grill chassis design with a set of integrated High-Speed USB ports, Hiper introduces their Type R Mk-II power supplies in 680W and 880W versions. Benchmark Reviews reveals the innovative HPU-5K880 & HPU-5B680 PSU's with our set of power regulation tests.

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use them. Hiper has been providing performance systems with stable power for quite some time, and with a new focus on efficiency they can offer a penny-wise solution for everyone. The newly revised Type R Mk-II power supply series delivers 660W in the HPU-5B680 model and 880W in the HPU-5K880. The entire Type R Mk-II series is built to provide excellent performance and efficient power to demanding GPU teams and quad-core systems while being stable and long-lasting to accommodate the needs of bleeding-edge technology for years to come.

Regardless of the system or purpose there is a given rule: whether it is a simple workstation with integrated components or an advanced gaming system with newest technology available, everything requires power to operate. With this in mind, we should all be able to agree that the power supply unit is the single most important part of any computer. As anyone who has suffered the failure of a low-end power supply will tell you: not all power supply units (PSU's) are created equal, and looks really don't mean a thing.

While most of the mundane workstations found on top of office desks would do well with almost any PSU because of their minimal power consumption, anyone utilizing one of Intel or AMD's latest line of processors with a modern graphics card will have no choice but to upgrade. Although I believe only the most hardcore gamers would ever call 880W of power to feed their energy-thirsty team of video cards, that doesn't stop Hiper from giving others the opportunity for expansion if it were ever necessary. High Performance Group (Hiper) builds several power supply units, and today our mission here at Benchmark Reviews is to pick-apart their newly revamped Type R series of PSU's. Available in both 680W (HPU-5B680) and 880W (HPU-5K880), we will do our best to offer perspective on the DC voltage regulation and AC current ripple.

The latest trends include 80-PLUS efficiency ratings, but since most manufacturers submit their own stated specifications to Ecos for certification the lack of regulated official testing has caused the badge has lose meaning. Not that efficiency isn't still important, but manufacturers have tried to attract buyers with several features. Without any warning, it was as if every company manufacturing power supply units suddenly decided that they could win the battle for industry dominance by combining all of the above features, and add a nice paint job or mirror finish for good measure. The new generation of power supplies has begun to amp up the competition for placement in your computer case. Antec’s EarthWatts series was among the first to cause a stir in the PSU industry by emphasizing efficient power delivery over the multi-rail hype over two years ago. But now 80% or better efficiency is very common.

Benchmark Reviews has seen some major changes within the power supply industry over the past year. Even in such a limited purpose industry, somehow fads manage to come into existence. At one point, the number of rails a PSU offered was key to media hype. At another point, you could see everyone pushing for the highest watts in their new product. I can't forget how modular power supplies, with the assortment of cables and interfaces, also shared some time in the limelight.

Somehow, the industry is shifting back to square one. Both Hiper products we are reviewing (HPU-5K880 880W & HPU-5B680 680W) do not offer modular cable groups, and other manufacturers are following this model. The primary complaint is the failure rate of such modular connections and units, which has caused manufacturers to receive higher returns for non-faulty products due to cable and connection issues.

About the company: High Performance Group (Hiper)

High Performance Group was founded in Milton Keynes/UK in 2001. Based on high-end marketing and technology expertise the company is now among the leading manufacturers of PC Components in the world with 6 offices and 3 warehouses. The brand name HIPER represents the cutting edge technology, quality, passion and entrepreneurial spirit of more than 250 employees throughout Europe, Asia and North America put in every single product that is shipped from our own manufacturing facilities.

High Performance Group was founded with the passion of providing the computer users & customers the best innovative products & services. The company's nontraditional approach from its patented design to its business conducts gains itself partnership with many respectable firms including AMD. Always committed to excellence, High Performance Group strives to be the best in every aspect. Hiper Business Philosophy (V.I.P.):

VIGOROUS
People are the core of any business. Our name "High Performance Group" not only implies to its product, but also to its people. Our company is filled with vigorous officers & staff; "whatever it takes" is our spirit, our belief, as well as our habit.

INNOVATIVE Hiper (trademarked) represents our corporate identity in the ultimate form. This symbol represents true innovation. Hiper product line is always imitated, but can never be duplicated. Our entire ID, mechanical, electrical, electronics, visual effect & web designer teams are truly elites in the industry because their passion of embracing technology & changes is noticeable with the first contact. It captures even the most ordinary person's attention with details everyone appreciates.

PROACTIVEHigh Performance Group means proactive way of business. Our solid & honest policy in business put everyone at peace, and then we police and enforce it. We make sure that our business partners (you are included) are well protected. Many who joined us has become us, and we are sure that you'll become one of us once you join us.

Comments

Great work adding the electrical measurements to your PS reviews. I am curious about your opinions on and experiences with software power monitoring tools that are installed and run on a PC. Intel has in its Desktop Utilities tool a Hardware Monitor section which among other things, displays voltage readings of the +12, +5, and +3.3 DC rails, as well as the MCH and Processor voltages (labeled Vcc.) The seemingly real time digital display has a resolution of three decimal places (1/1000 volt.) Alarms can be set to warn of over or under voltage situations. In general, how do these programs work and how accurate can they be? Are any of them worthy of an enthusiasts attention? Thank you.

While the accuracty may not be to electrical engineer level, I would contend that some form of monitoring is better than none at all. So long as the software doesn't cause any problems, I'd say it's worth installing.